Hirsutism

What is Hirsutism?

It is when a woman has excessive hair growth. The hair is usually thick and dark, rather than fine and fair.
Excess hair may appear on the:

  • face – such as the upper lip or chin
  • neck
  • chest
  • tummy – in a line from your belly button down to your pubic hair
  • anal and genital area
  • the front of your thighs

What causes Hirsutism?

Hirsutism is caused by an increase in male sex hormones called androgens, or an increased sensitivity to them. There are several different types of androgens. The most well known is testosterone.

In men, testosterone is involved in making sperm and in the development of male sexual characteristics, such as the voice getting deeper. Testosterone is also found in small amounts in women, where it may:

  • increase your sex drive
  • affect your periods (menstrual cycle)
  • affect your fertility

"It doesn’t matter who you see at this clinic as they are all brilliant. Professional but fun and no sales speels.
A great team and far better than other places I have tried. You just feel safe as they know what they’re talking about."

Sarah, Northampton

Premenopausal women

There are a number of different causes that may explain hirsutism in women who have not yet started the menopause (when a woman’s periods stop).
However, in around 23% of hirsutism cases, there are no obvious causes. This is known as idiopathic hirsutism.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Most of the excess androgen activity in premenopausal women is due to an underlying condition known as PCOS.

PCOS is thought to be the cause of hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in around 72% of cases.

PCOS is a condition in which women have a number of small, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) around the edge of their ovaries (the pair of reproductive organs that produce eggs and sex hormones in women).

As well as causing excessive hair growth, PCOS can also cause:

  • irregular periods
  • weight gain
  • acne
Many women with PCOS have an imbalance of male sex hormones which can include high levels of testosterone.

We understand and we can help you

Unwanted excessive hair growth can be so upsetting and damaging to a woman’s confidence, it can even trigger depression. We have treated thousands of ladies who have had very low self esteem from years of hiding or dealing with unwanted hair… often in secret from their partners or family. The successful effect of laser treatment has transformed their life.

Several local GP’s refer patients to us. However the NHS does not cover the cost of this treatment at this moment in time.

Don’t suffer in silence. We totally understand how troublesome unwanted hair can be and are happy to help you.

Please refer to our Hair Removal page for details of this laser hair treatment.

"Everything is fantastic. Staff are great and so down to earth. I am so much more confident and happy in my own skin. Thank you so much."

Sophie, Northamptonshire

Come in for a consultation

We can discuss how laser treatment will work for you. Consultation is free* and allows you to be fully informed in a no- pressure, friendly, relaxed environment before you start your treatment.

*Excludes Doctor Consultation

*Excludes Doctor Consultation

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